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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.